As they sat around the table consuming eggs, bacon, toast, and kippers, they caught up on each other's news.
"What's the news of Esther Hancock?" Clifford asked.
The doctor shook his head. "Not good, I'm afraid. She had a very hard time of it, and the baby is a rather small girl. I will be surprised if the poor little thing survives the week."
"And Esther?"
"She's sorely upset, and very weak."
"I shall send over our cook to help her build up her strength."
"That's very good of you. I'm sure she will appreciate it."
"I would have Cook come here to stay, but I know how excellent your own Mrs. Travers is helping your patients. I'm certain that Vanessa will be in good hands."
The doctor smiled reassuringly. "She is even now making all sorts of jellies and broths for the young lady. Her throat will be very sore when she finally comes to."
"When do you think that will be, Doctor?" Emma asked.
"Soon, I hope. She seems to have been resting quietly for some time now. It has been a very great shock to her system, of course. If she is going to pull through, we ought to see some signs of her rallying soon."
"Josephine will call us if there is any change. We might as well keep up our own strength with this excellent breakfast," Emma said.
They all ate dutifully, though Clifford tasted little of what he put into his mouth. He attempted to follow the doctor's light conversation with his unexpected guests, but his thoughts continually strayed back to the snug little parlor where the auburn-haired beauty lay.
As soon as he had cleared his plate, he rose and returned to the sick room.
"There is some hot food in the dining room, Josephine. Off you go. I'll sit with her now."
She patted her future brother-in-law on the shoulder, and left the room.
A few minutes later, Vanessa began to roll over on her side, and cradled her head upon her arm. Clifford was relieved to see she appeared to be sleeping more naturally. He was even more delighted to see her long dark lashes flutter open and take in the strange surroundings of the handsomely appointed doctor's study. She stared at the pale blue flock wallpaper unseeingly for a moment, and gradually began to focus on her companion.
Her ears were still ringing, and her throat felt as though it had been set on fire. She blinked again a couple of times to focus her eyes better and ensure she was not dreaming.
Where on earth was she, and who was the stunningly handsome man in evening dress by her side?
She swallowed hard a couple of times, and managed to whisper, "I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, sir. Are you the new doctor in Millcote?"
"No, I'm Clifford Stone. Do you remember me? I'm afraid you've been ill."
Her eyes widened in horror and she clutched the sheet to her scantily clad bosom. "How on earth did I get here? The last thing I knew I was at Hawkesworth House. Where is my brother? Why have you brought me here?" she gasped, her tone accusing.
"We have not been able to locate him. I sent my brother Henry to your home, but the servants knew nothing as to where he went after he left for the Cavendishes'. They haven't heard anything from him since last evening when he left and gave the servants orders to lock up securely. And no one is at the Cavendishes' house."
"I can't imagine him wanting to speak to you or your brother after all you have done to our estate," Vanessa said haughtily, though a fit of coughing made her regret immediately her impassioned words.
Clifford frowned in confusion at her accusing words, but he was not about to argue with her at this stage. "My dear Miss Hawkesworth, you are in no state to be discussing matters such as these. Please drink some of this water and calm yourself."
She raised up off the pillow with his help, which she accepted only grudgingly, and drank a few sips. He could see the effort it cost her. She lay back upon the pillows exhausted, and looked at Clifford mistrustfully.
He decided to take the bull by the horns. "Miss Hawkesworth. Vanessa. I know you feel you have every reason to be aggrieved with me. You wake up to find yourself in strange surroundings, and are naturally confused. I am sure that our engagement as a result of your brother gaming for your hand and my winning it does not sit well with a young lady of your discretion and good breeding.
"Please believe me when I say that I only played cards in the first place to protect your honor and reputation. Several of the young rakes at the ball were interested only in the good sport, and of course your sizable fortune. They would have had no qualms about seizing their prize as if you were no more than a spoil of war."